Top 20 Natural Monuments around Braunwald
Best natural monuments around Braunwald are found within the Glarus Alps, a region known for its dramatic geological history and alpine landscapes. This car-free resort serves as a base for exploring sites that offer insights into mountain formation and natural features. The area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected area, emphasizing its natural significance. Visitors can explore various hiking trails and viewpoints, experiencing the diverse natural environment.
Best natural monuments around Braunwald
- The most popular natural monuments is…
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Klöntalersee
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Oberblegisee
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Glattalpsee
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Muttsee Reservoir
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Kärpfbrücke Natural Bridge
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super pretty here , very nice
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The Muttsee (formerly Mutten See, Muttensee) is a reservoir on the Muttenalp in the southernmost part of the municipality of Glarus South in the canton of Glarus in Switzerland.
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In 1957, the newly founded Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG (KLL) began to realize the power plants that had been planned since the beginning of the 1940s by the Nordostschweizerische Kraftwerke (NOK), into which the Muttensee was to be integrated.
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Until 1917, the official name was "Mutten See", then the spelling "Muttensee" appeared. From 1963, the spelling "Muttsee" appeared. The Hühnerbühl is now known in dialect as Hüenderbüel.[3] The kidney-shaped mountain lake was about 1000 meters long and 400 to 500 meters wide. On the Muttenalp plateau known as Hühnerbühl, it covered an area of about 42 hectares. The height of the lake surface was given as 2442 m until 1899, and 2448 m from 1900 to 1962. In the southeast, the lake was drained by a stream, which after a few hundred meters, at about 2400 m, disappeared into the Muttsee cave in the karst subsoil of the Muttenalp.[6] A little to the south, from about 2450 m, the Muttenbach collected the snow water from the Latten via various small tributaries.[5] It led this into the Limmernbach via the Mörthal and the Ochsenblanken.
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The lake is registered in the cantonal landscape register as a landscape of regional importance.[4] In the karst area of the Muttenalp there are - in addition to the Muttsee cave and the Muttsee hut - various other small lakes, most of them distributed southwest of the Muttsee over the Hüenderbüel. The largest neighbor, the Ober See, lies north of the Muttsee at 2474 m. It is the only lake on the Muttenalp that is connected to the Muttsee via its outflow.
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The lake is located at the crossing from Linthal-Tierfehd over the Kistenpass to Brigels. It lies in the 2.95 square kilometer basin of the Muttenalp above the Hüenderbüel. The alp is surrounded by high mountains such as Nüschenstock (2892 m) in the west, Rüchi (2849 m) in the northwest, Hinter Sulzhorn (2737 m) in the northeast, Ruchi (3105 m) in the east and Muttenstock (3088 m) in the southeast. The arena opens to the southwest. It drops steeply over the Muttenwand into the Limmerental and over the Muttenchopf (2482 m) to the Limmerensee.
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As part of significant expansion measures for the power plants between 2009 and 2017, the dam built in 1963 was replaced by a concrete dam wall. This has a length of 1054 meters, making it the longest dam wall in Switzerland. The water level reaches a height of 2474 m when fully filled. This makes the Muttsee the highest reservoir in Switzerland, with a capacity of more than 10 million m³. The highest reservoir under the supervision of the federal authorities is the Viderjoch reservoir in the Silvretta Arena, which lies at 2664 m.[1][2] Since 2021, the largest alpine photovoltaic system in Switzerland has been under construction on the dam wall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments around Braunwald?
The region around Braunwald is rich in natural beauty. Highly appreciated by visitors are Lake Klöntal, known for its fiord-like landscape and opportunities for swimming and camping, and Glattalpsee, a beautiful lake accessible by cable car with a family-friendly circuit trail. Another impressive spot is Klöntalersee, notable for its clear water and stunning surrounding peaks.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit in Braunwald?
Yes, several natural monuments around Braunwald are great for families. Glattalpsee is a family-friendly lake with a circuit trail that can be easily accessed via cable car. Lake Klöntal also offers a family-friendly environment with opportunities for hiking and enjoying the water.
What unique geological features can I explore in the Braunwald area?
Braunwald is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sardona Tectonic Arena, offering exceptional insights into mountain formation and plate tectonics. Here, you can witness the Glarus Overthrust, where older rock layers were pushed over younger ones. The distinctive Tschingelhörner peaks visually demonstrate these powerful geological forces. Additionally, the Silberen / Twärenen area features impressive 'cart fields,' which are unique karst formations created by dissolved limestone.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Braunwald are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, running, and road cycling. For example, there are numerous hiking trails, including a panoramic hike in Glarnerland and routes to Oberblegisee. For those who enjoy running, there are trail running options like the Panoramatrail Braunwald. Road cyclists can explore routes around the Urnerboden Plateau or the Klöntalersee, as detailed in the road cycling guide.
Is it possible to swim in any of the lakes around Braunwald?
Yes, Lake Klöntal is a popular spot for swimming. Its fiord-like landscape and clear water make it an inviting place to cool off, especially during warmer months. Oberblegisee is also known as a beautiful and quiet mountain lake for relaxing and cooling off.
What makes Lake Oberblegisee a recommended natural monument?
Lake Oberblegisee is a deep-blue mountain lake offering stunning views, including glimpses of the majestic Tödi and Ortstock mountains. It's accessible by foot from Braunwald and provides a serene ambiance, making it a highly recommended spot for a tranquil hike and scenic appreciation. Visitors often highlight the intoxicating contrast between the shallow lake and the steep southern wall of the Glärnisch.
What are the views like from the natural monuments in Braunwald?
The natural monuments around Braunwald offer spectacular panoramic views of the Glarus Alps. From sites like Silberen / Twärenen, you can enjoy expansive mountain vistas. Lakes such as Klöntalersee and Oberblegisee provide picturesque backdrops with surrounding peaks like Tödi and Ortstock, creating a truly immersive alpine experience.
Can I reach these natural monuments using public transport?
Braunwald itself is a car-free resort, so public transport is essential for access. Once in Braunwald, many natural monuments are accessible via hiking trails. For example, Glattalpsee is easily accessible by cable car, which is a convenient way to reach this beautiful hiking area.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in Braunwald?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility. Many appreciate the clear waters of lakes like Klöntalersee and the impressive mountain backdrops. The opportunity for peaceful hikes and the feeling of being immersed in nature are also commonly highlighted. The unique geological formations, such as those in the Sardona Tectonic Arena, also draw interest for their educational value.
Are there any man-made structures integrated with the natural monuments?
Yes, the Muttsee Reservoir is an example where a natural lake has been integrated into a hydropower concept. It features the longest dam wall in Switzerland, which is also home to the largest alpine photovoltaic system. This site showcases how human engineering can coexist with and utilize the natural landscape.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Braunwald?
The region around Braunwald is beautiful throughout the warmer months, offering diverse plant life including alpine flowers. While specific seasonal tips for each monument vary, summer and early autumn are generally ideal for hiking and enjoying the lakes. Be aware that some areas, like the shady side of Glattalpsee, might retain snow even into July, potentially making paths slippery.
Most popular attractions around Braunwald
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